SATs results show improvement

Exam results for eleven year olds released today show marked improvements at Ark Brunel Primary Academy. The number of pupils getting a combined ‘level 4’ in reading, writing and maths combined has improved from 83% last year to 86% this year.

‘Level 4’ is the expected level that pupils at the end of primary school should meet, and Ark Brunel Primary exceeded last year’s national average, which was 79%.

Dominic Smith, Headteacher of Ark Brunel Primary said: “We are very proud of these results, which reflect the hard work and dedication of not just our students, but also of our staff and our local community of parents. Our plan is to build on these improvements, which are already well above the national average, as we are dedicated to giving our children the very best start in life.”

Having become part of the high performing Ark academy network in September 2013, Ark Brunel Primary Academy spends more time teaching subjects such as English and maths to ensure that all pupils are ready for secondary school and can access a broad curriculum.

Tamara Curtis, parent of a year 5 student at Ark Brunel said: “My son has enjoyed every second of learning, developing and growing in this school.”

The school has also been using the pioneering ‘Mathematics Mastery’ programme, a teaching framework and curriculum that helps teachers deliver outstanding maths lessons. Pupils spend more time on fewer subjects to gain a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. On average pupils are a month ahead of their peers after a year of using the Maths Mastery programme.

Phonics results were also particularly strong at the school, with 97% of pupils passing the year 1 phonics check, compared to a national average of just 74%. The school uses the Ruth Miskin phonics programme in order to ensure early literacy and the founding blocks of reading and writing.